Mama's Oven Reviews

When momma was in her prime I'm sure this down home cooking restaurant would have been a treat. Now momma is at the cash register and with a limited menu and specials they still turn out good food. I had the fried pork chop with mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was really good the pork chop a bit dry. The service is family style and really good for a small place. No alcohol and minimal deserts, but worth a quick quiet meal if you are staying across the street at the Holiday Inn Express. Also visit Hanks next store for some really good ice cream,

Good meat and three place but not very pretty inside. The majority of their sales were for carry-out orders. You basically have to order your meal at the register which is next to the hot foods in a warmer case which looks very old. Matter of fact, the inside of this place hasn't been touched much for a VERY long time. Makes you a little nervous about eating here. The food in the warm display really didn't look that great!. Anyway, my wife ordered the meatloaf and I ordered the smothered pork chops. The meat loaf portion was very large and tasted pretty good but my large pork chops were the cheaper thin bone-in variety. One was a little chewy but the other one was very good. The vegetables were O.K. We should have ordered the mac and cheese as everyone that came in while we were there ordered it. Overall it was a good meal but I was expecting something better because of all of the great reviews on TA.

Very good original soul-food. My favourite is Honeyglaced ham.

We walked in and were promptly greeted by an older lady at the counter. We both ordered smothered pork chops; I had mac n cheese and green beans and my husband had mashed potatoes and cabbage for our sides. After ordering we realized we'd come in about 15 min before closing time and apologized to the lady at the counter, but she assured us that we were no problem and to take our time and enjoy a leisurely meal. She said "that's the good thing about mom and pop places, we don't mind." She also chatted with us about where we were from and what brought us in to the restaurant (I'd found it on yelp). Even with our late arrival, our plates quickly came out fresh and hot, along with fresh homemade corn bread. The smothered pork chops were incredible- perfectly cooked with just a hint of spice. My mac n cheese was the best I think I've ever eaten- creamy, gooey wonderfulness. The cornbread was also delicious. This was a great find and I'd absolutely come back if we are ever in this area again!

Found this restaurant on trip advisor. Had a little trouble finding it because gps took me up the street. Outside looked like a dump But once inside the hospitality and good food was amazing. I had the smothered pork chop with stuffing and cabbage. There was enough food for 3 people. The pork chops melted in my mouth. Have never had a meal so great. A must go to when in Houston

Don’t bother, unless you want to waste a lot of unnecessary time. I called in my order and was told to pick it up in 10 minutes. When I arrived not only was my order not ready, but they were out of some of the items I chose. Their excuse was that the man who took the order didn’t know what was left or how long it would take (what???). Even after picking substitutes, it took another 35 minutes before I got my food. The staff had an attitude and didn’t seem concerned about the poor customer service. This is a cafeteria-style set up, so with three people on the line, one on the register and another two in the kitchen, there is no reason for this slow service and miscommunication…unless they just don’t care whether you come or not. No thanks, there are too many other restaurants in the Medical Center who actually want repeat customers for me to hassle with this place.

I love the home like atmosphere there. The food is amazing with nice portions for the price. The wait time can be excessive sometimes so patience is necessary

Completely genuine no frills southern soul food. Stoped for lunch on Saturday and was blown away by how good it was. From Canada here and have never been to a more authentic soul food restaurant. Simple classic diner but holy god the food was good. I had the smothered pork chops and guest had the meatloaf. The cornbread was amazing. It’s five star food. I’m here for another week and will be coming back here more than once.

Located on South Main between Kirby and Buffalo Speedway in a strip center with adequate parking. Mama's is a no frills place to eat where you look for the flavors instead of the fine atmosphere. Great meat entrees such as meat loaf, fried or smothered pork chops, ox tails and chicken wings are all served with good corn bread and great sides of greens, yams, mashed potatoes, green beans, cabbage and beans. Drinks are canned or simple tea or lemonade. Servings are generous as are the flavors. Friendly service. Order at the back and food delivered to your table. Look for Mama and receive her blessings to make your life better.

The place is in a little strip center in Medical Center area. Looks like a hole in the wall - first sign that it’ll be great. You’re welcomed and receive a friendly smile that makes you feel southern/Texas hospitality. The food is good ol’ down home cooking and though you may have a bit of a wait, it’s totally worth it. Hits the spot and makes you feel like your stomach and soul have been fed.

Let me start by telling you about the condition of this place. When you walk in, you can't help but wonder why they can't clean and keep up with the maintenance of this place, it's just filthy filthy filthy LOOKING!!! My wife was adamant about the food because we had already drove over 35 min to get there so I said go for it. For the heck of it since I am downtown and close to so many hospitals I decided to taste the food, BIG MISTAKE!! Oxtails are bland, pork chops are saltier than salt itself, cabbage is bland, yams are just horrible and the list goes on. I am warning you, don't waste your time!!!

We are from North Carolina and were in Houston for the AAU Junior Olympics. After having already tried one local restaurant (Pappa's) and hating the idea of yet another chain or fast food, we found Mama's Oven on the GPS. We were about a block away and decided to try it. Honestly, the place doesn't look like much but wow, the food was great. There was no buffet or cafeteria-style serving when we went. It did take awhile to get our order but we thought it was worth the wait. Staff was friendly and attentive. The portions were huge, food was hot and flavorful, price well worth it ($32 for three meals and tea/drinks). The meatloaf was substantial with onions and ? red peppers and I don't know what else in there. The cornbread was sweet, just the way we like it. Fried chicken wings were just right. Vegetables were seasoned simply. The only thing we didn't care for was the sweet tea--lots of lemon flavor. The best part was that the food was familiar to us because it was exactly what we are used to at home.

For some reason there was a shortage of food and dishes which created a long wait time. After 15 minutes were started wondering how long til we would get our food. After 30 minutes we figured we could have been to McDonald's and home in the same amount of time. After 50 minutes we were getting antsy. But at the 55 minute mark our food arrived and all we could hear was our tastebuds admonishments for doubting the need to wait for such great food. Our guilt was immense. From the broccoli cheese casserole to the smothered pork and on to the home made peach cobbler, we were in divine, albeit decadent, food heaven. Wait as long as it takes. And if it takes longer than that wait some more. The wait this lunch was an anomaly but we found it worthwhile.

I placed the order over the phone and ordered the smothered pork chops with and extra side of mac and cheese. The order was more than enough for the two of us and one of the best meals I have had outside of my Moms kitchen. Momma’s Oven is located on South Main just North of the 610. It is a small place in a strip mall with good parking and close to the Medical Center. It was soul food at its best. The service is a bit slow but worth the wait and at a price that can’t be beat.

Where to start??!! The broccoli and cheese,yams, the pork chops, the mac and cheese...all superb. Did I mention I don't normally eat soul food??!

My wife and I stopped in while visiting Houston. The building looks like a dump. Don't judge this book by the cover. I ordered the fried pork chop dinner. It came with two sides, I chose green beans and mashed potatoes. It was late, and they were out of several sides. My wife ordered the smothered pork chops and green beans and mac & cheese. They had warned me when I ordered that the fried pork chops took a little longer, but that was not a problem. While we were waiting they brought out the best cornbread I have ever put in my mouth, and I have put a lot in it! It was amazing. When they brought out the main course, both of our plates had two huge pork chops on them. Way too much food for one person, especially after eating that wonderful cornbread. It was delicious and well worth the wait and the price. I will go back next trip to Houston.

What a surprise among all the franchise eateries sits a small mom and pop. We had a variety of items and they were all excellent. Lot of food on each plate.

I'm from Detroit , Mi where the soul food is amazing . I had been searching for something comparable and feeling quite let down . Finally I found Mamas yay👏😄💓 it's like a good church maybe not that appealing to the eye,but good for the soul lol. Give them a try

nasty smelly dirty, roaches, ants, rude owner & service....food was cold & bland & overpriced. Most disgusting place I've ever been in. I'd sooner rather eat in a TEXACO RESTROOM. EVEN a hair in my plate. I WILL NOT be back.

I suppose I understand why people complained on here if they were in a hurry, because the service does take awhile, but other than that, I had no problem with Mama's. The servers were friendly, the food was outstanding & cheap, and the atmosphere was decent. Look people, this is not a five star restaurant, but if you go to a place called "Mama's Oven" expecting that, then I'll have to put the fault on you. I had the oxtails, and my kids had the baked chicken, and I can tell you these are the best oxtails I've ever had. Throw in some fantasting mac & cheese, really good green beans, and a decent bowl of yams, and you've got a great meal. Again, this is not a five star place, but it is exactly what it wants to be, a great soulfood spot. Thanks to the staff for a great place to eat!

I have to admit, when I first saw the place, I almost told my husband to get back in the car and find something else. It is a very small place, a bit run down but the food is worth it. The owners are very dear, friendly and happy to see everyone who comes through the door. We were lucky to have gotten there just a few minutes before it got busy. I ordered Ox tail and my husband Pork Chops...both were excellent but next time I want to try the Pork Chops just fried without the smothering. Loved the sweet potatoes, mac n cheese was decent, corn bread was ok. Was not too crazy about the mashed potatoes which were instant and not from scratch and we were surprised. But overall I would go again and maybe give it another try.

Greeted as we walked in the door, which was great!! We placed our orders at the counter for the turkey wings, cabbage, smothered pork chops and corn bread dressing. The turkey wings were not very flavorful and the cabbage just tasted steamed but no seasoning. The smothered pork chops were seasoned I could taste garlic seasoning and some salt. Now, we waited at least 7-10 minutes for food that was already prepared, so I was confused on the delay of our receiving our food. The food was OK, but nothing to rant and rave about IMO.

This is a tiny restaurant in a non-descript strip mall. It looks like it's been there so ever- nothing fancy at all. But the soul food is really good- there are some food items out in the front but they have an extensive menu of items in the kitchen. My mom and I love ox-tail so we try to get there early to make sure we can get our giant plateful! I get the greens (spicy and delicious) and corn bread and my mom always gets the sweet potato (really sweet) and cornbread. The ox- tail is in a thick light brown gravy- it's not spicy at all and there are plenty in a serving. The service is always friendly but it does take quite a while to get your food- even when it's not busy. Although the sign says they open at 11 they actually open sometime before noon so be prepared to hang out in your car for a while if you get there before noon. The sweet iced tea is RIDICULOUSLY good. There's a slight tang and I could drink it by the gallon. The serving sizes are huge and we always have leftovers so we get our food "to go" although we eat it there. Saves them washing a plate.

The staff was friendly. The service was a bit slow. They made up with their tasty food. I had cornbread dressing, smothered pork chops, yams and cabbage. The food was very good. I will return for more. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.

I love this restaurant. The oxtail and smothered pork chops are made from scratch and are so moist and tender. Unfortunatly the oxtail still needed to cook at lunch time so make sure you don't go to early. Other then that the food here is great!

My wife and I really liked this place. When we have gone to Houston and I've often wanted to eat here, but one of our favorite place is a seafood restaurant just a little ways down the street. It was closed for repair. The food is just like homemade. My wife had ox tails in a sauce. She compared it Carne Guisada. It was good, but I liked my Smothered Pork Chops better. The corn bread we felt was the best we had ever had. The Mac and Cheese was outstanding. The Sweet Potatoes were even better. We thought the corn bread dressing was not as good as every thing else, but dressing is very personal as to what you personally like as far as the way it tastes. The cabbage was good also. If you want home style cooking, this is the place. As one person said it looked like a dump. Don't look at the place and judge it. Try the food its great. We were there right at 11:00 A. M. and by the time we were eating people tried to order the ox tails and they were already out because of the to go orders. Try Mama's Oven I don't think you will be disappointed.

That pretty much sums it up except... nice people, down home, good food. And don't miss Hank's Ice Cream next door.

Let me start by saying that they have the best fried pork chops that I have ever had in my life. Yes, the wait may be a little long, but I brought a beer in and enjoyed relaxing for a bit. The place is not fancy...more like my Mama's kitchen. Of course, they assume that you want brown gravy on your rice... but, it was good. And, boiled cabbage is my favorite. I ordered a large mac & cheese to go. They didn't realize that they only had a small portion until I was ready to leave. They asked me what else I wanted instead. So, it's a little unconventional...but, part of the experience.

Soul food just as good as your mom's!

Words do not suffice. Mamas Oven was recommended to us by someone at MD Anderson's info desk. We went for a plate lunch and got an education in food! Folks were standing in line for ox tails. We had Mamas best ever pork chops along with some amazing sides. Not fancy at all. Just go.

This had to be the worst soul food restaurant experience I have ever had. After waiting an entire hour for one order listening to the workers argue and yell back and forth with each other, they finally call my number just to tell me they are out of macaroni!!!! I will never be back or refer anyone to this un professional un prepared establishment. And I definitely discourage anyone to go there on a lunch break. Very disappointing!

"Mama" is typically the one to ring up your order. The restaurant itself could definitely use a makeover but the food is absolutely delectable. Like, this is a 'blatantly disrespect your diet' place. But it's worth an extra Kickboxing class. I always get the fried pork chops ( they give you two large ones), with macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and cabbage. they include a cornbread muffin (it's Jiffy). all of that for $10! They also prepare their pork chops smothered. I dont like gravy, never really have, but one day I tried my fried pork chop dipped in the gravy and... well I still dont like gravy but I'll eat Mama's gravy. They are really busy during heavy traffic times, so I call my order in. They'll tell you 20 minutes, but really it's like 30-45. Knowing this ahead of time will save you. But everyone there is so friendly, that it's hard to be frustrated with the extra wait when they don't get the timing perfect.

I ordered the baked chicken wings, rice and gravy, and green beans. The place was not very clean, but the food was good. The pricing is normal for soul food restaurants. The service can be better, but this is a family owned business.

Not the place you would normally visit. Does not have good curb side appeal. Inside is not a whole lot better. But the food was good and cooked with that down home taste that lives up to its name.

Excellent food and portions are generous enough to take some home for leftovers. I would highly recommend making the time to stop here. Try the pork chops and the mac-n-cheese.

We were tired of "chain" food and looking for something more like "home cooked." Well, we found it! The restaurant is tiny, but the people are friendly and the food is delicious. It looks like they have been in business since the 50s, and the place has probably not been updated since then, but if you're looking for Soul Food, this is the place to go!

Service is great. The food is AWESOME. The place is very neat and clean. Located in a very good place.

Mama's Oven is a great place to eat lunch. I had the Salisbury steak, mash potato/gravel and green beans. The food was fresh and tasted great. The building is old, but this a one of those must places to eat in Houston.

The place was clean but not impressive; the service was slow but the staff was nice and finally your patience will be rewarded with excellent food!!!

This is a great place to eat lunch or dinner on a sunday. Awesome meat loaf and baked chicken. Like I said, the food is great; I choose not to frequent this business due to poor customer service.

had the meatloaf dinner was delicious got plenty for the money will go back nothing fancy here just good home cooking i will try the smothered pork chop dinner on my next visit

I have eaten soul food all over the place. This one is good. It jus took forever to get our food. I prefer the cafeteria style. They had it all out but they make up the plates and take to the table.